Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit of competency may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What does an initial assessment identify?
An initial assessment may involve visual inspection of the animal, taking a complete behaviour and training history, considering the environment in which the animal is kept and determining the clients' expectations of training and whether these can be reasonably met.

What is included in a training plan?
A training plan incorporates a written report to clients detailing a series of humane training exercises recommended to assist them in achieving their training goals. It also details suggested management of an animal during a training program.

What are some of the behavioural traits of animals?
Behavioural traits may include normal behaviour in various contexts including social, resting, grooming, ingestive, eliminative, breeding and parental.

Which training strategies may apply?
Training strategies may include the use of positive reinforcement and, when appropriate, punishment in order to achieve learning desensitisation and counter-conditioning.

Which training equipment may be used?
Training equipment may include treats and toys, leads, collars, restraints, head halters and other restraint devices.

Which animal welfare and ethics requirements are applicable?
Animal welfare requirements may be considered in the development of training and management programs and may include the correct use of restraints and training devices, consideration of the animal's breed and age, and exercise and housing requirements.
The use of punishment and negative reinforcement should be avoided and their effects on learning should be discussed with clients. Equipment that may cause harm should be avoided.
Animals that appear stressed or whose behaviour is abnormal should be referred to a veterinarian for advice.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

train animals in accordance with animals' abilities, the clients' needs and environmental considerations
handle and restrain animals appropriately and humanely
identify and implement a variety of scientifically-recognised behaviour modification techniques, including the effect of positive and negative reinforcement
select, use and maintain appropriate and humane training equipment.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

basic working knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology
animal welfare and ethics requirements
animal dietary, exercise and maintenance requirements
humane training techniques
working knowledge of a range of animals and breeds, their common behavioural traits and temperaments
working knowledge of a range of animal training equipment and its use
training strategies and plans.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include:

ability to handle a variety of animal breeds
ability to use and maintain training equipment, including restraint devices
ability to identify client and animal needs
ability to develop, review and update training plans
ability to supervise the training of animals in accordance with training plans
ability to maintain records
ability to provide advice to clients
literacy skills to read, select and follow organisational policies and procedures, including OHS and infection control procedures; select and apply the procedures to perform a range of defined tasks; follow sequenced written instructions; record accurately and legibly the information collected; and read, develop and document animal training strategies and plans
interpersonal skills to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities
oral communication skills / language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening and asking for clarification
numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
a range of clients and their animals
training equipment.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities and, where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency should include a practical component and will be most appropriately assessed in a situation involving clients and their animals.
There must be access in this situation to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency
RUV4512A Conduct companion animal training classes

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
By communicating with clients to determine the training needs of their animals and appropriate training techniques. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By completing and reviewing client questionnaires, observing animals before and after training and reviewing and updating training plans accordingly. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By advising clients on training plans and ongoing training maintenance for their animals. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By working with the clients to train animals. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Not applicable. (2)

Solving problems
By examining animal profiles and devising appropriate training plans, reviewing the training plans and strategies and making adjustments as necessary. (3)

Using technology
By using electronic equipment to schedule training sessions, produce reports and other printed information, and research training methods, breeds and behavioural traits. (3)